CMS percussionists attend percussion ensemble concert at the Clayton Opera House

5th grade General Music

 All 5th grade students continue to build on their elementary music foundations. We dive into more challenging rhythm reading and perform on bucket drums, review treble clef and perform on boom whackers, and describe the elements of music through listening and an expanded vocabulary. We also take an in depth look at instrument families and how sound is produced.

5th grade Art

5th grade artists explore the foundation of art-making by learning the elements and principles of art. Art vocabulary is used to discuss and understand master artwork. Students build technical skills by working in different media throughout the course.      

5th grade Band

First year of Instrumental Music. Students learn fundamentals of music literacy, instrument techniques and skills, and basic musicianship through ensemble rehearsals and small group lessons.

6-8th grade General Music

Students learn basic fundamentals of music reading and terminology. Each grade level studies one composer and responds to music selections from that composer.  Each grade level learns how to play a string instrument. In 6th Grade the students learn how to play the Dulcimer. 7th Grade learns how to play Ukulele, and 8th grade learns how to play guitar. They learn how to play together in a team setting and build individual skills in music reading, tempo, pitch, letter names of notes etc. 

6-8th grade Electronic Music

In Electronic Music, students have the opportunity to create, arrange, and produce their own music through the use of technology. Along with songwriting and form analysis, this course is an introduction to the Piano. With the use of computer software, the students can advance in the Piano Curriculum at their own pace ensuring student success. At the end of 8th grade, each student compiles and produces their own Solo Album complete with Album Cover and Track List. 

6-8th grade 2D Art

Art Education in grades 6-8 encourages the student to exercise decision making at a personal level. Because of the visual format used in the art experience, the students' decisions can be observed, and a we can then identify and build an art experience that fit the needs of our students. We focus on the concepts of: Space, Structure, Movement, Color and Light. In turn developing each student's cognitive, affective and aesthetic growth in our art classrooms. Our students participate and place annually in local art shows throughout NYS. 

6-8th grade 3D Art

The 3D Art Program at Carthage Middle School allows students to express their creativity while earning about sculpture. 6-8th grade students create various works of art, primarily with clay, with an emphasis on form and function. We explore the different methods of hand building with clay: slab building, pinching, and coiling. Students also learn about the historic significance of the material and its cultural relevance of how it is used today. In addition to this, 8th grade students complete an art history project in which they select a sculptor to research. 

6th grade Concert Band | Visit Ms. Badour's Website

In the course we expand upon the fundamentals learned in 5th grade band.  We work to learn new playing techniques as well as mastering those already learned.  This group includes mostly 2nd year players who have been in the Carthage District as well as some new students who start at the beginning of the year and can be added to band when they are ready.  We also work to increase music literacy. 

7-8th grade Wind Ensemble | Visit Ms. Badour's Website

In this course we continue developing musical skills by integrating higher level performance standards and offering more opportunities for individual advancement.  Students participate in NYSSMA solos, small ensembles, and marching band as well at the traditional concert band setting.  This group is made up of 3rd and 4th year players if they started here in Carthage and a variety of levels for those new to the district. 

6th grade Comet Choir & 7-8th Grade Festival of Chorus

Comet Choir is a beginning chorus for students in 6th grade and typically have not had a choral experience. Students learn how to read choral music, learn proper vowel formation, breathing techniques, and learn melodies and harmonies. The students learn vocal terminology and explore their voice through warm-up exercises. The class is taught as a team and students learn balance and expression while learning select vocal pieces.